How Transnet is reinforcing its infrastructure in the wake of cyber attacks

Transnet, one of South Africa's largest state-owned enterprises, is grappling with a significant increase in cable theft incidents that are not only impacting their operations but also posing a threat to the country's economy. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Marius Bennett, the General Manager for Security and Forensics at Transnet, shed light on the escalating challenges posed by cable theft and the measures being taken to address this pressing issue. Bennett highlighted the alarming rise in cable theft incidents over the past five years, with a staggering 177 percent increase in such criminal activities. These thefts have resulted in a significant loss of revenue for Transnet, with a 343 percent increase in revenue losses due to the cancellations of trains caused by security-related incidents. The continuous attacks on Transnet's infrastructure not only affect the company but also have far-reaching consequences on its customers and the broader economy of the country. Despite efforts to combat cable theft, including involving law enforcement and deploying technology such as drones, the impact on the business remains unabated. Bennett emphasized the need to target the syndicates orchestrating these crimes and collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies to disrupt their operations. The involvement of organized crime, driven by the lucrative copper prices in the market, has been identified as a key factor fueling the surge in cable theft incidents. In response to the growing threat posed by cable theft, Transnet is shifting its focus towards technology-driven solutions to enhance security measures. The company plans to allocate 70 percent of its resources towards leveraging technology and only 30 percent towards traditional security methods. By partnering with customers and implementing advanced technological interventions, Transnet aims to mitigate the impact of cable theft and safeguard its operations and customers from financial losses amounting to millions and billions. The collaboration between Transnet and its customers underscores a shared commitment to combatting cable theft and securing critical infrastructure. Through the adoption of innovative technologies and close cooperation with stakeholders, Transnet is working towards minimizing the disruptions caused by criminal activities and safeguarding the interests of its customers and the national economy.